The brain’s remarkable ability to rewire itself throughout life has revolutionized our understanding of cognitive development and aging. Dr. Michael Merzenich’s groundbreaking research reveals how neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity for change—operates from infancy through old age, offering hope for cognitive enhancement at any stage of life.
The Young Brain: Plasticity in Overdrive
In infancy and childhood, the brain exists in a state of neurological flux. Everything matters to a baby’s brain—every sight, sound, and experience drives change because the brain hasn’t yet learned what’s important.
During these early years, neuroplasticity is permanently switched “ON,” allowing for rapid learning and development.
This early period is characterized by:
– Poorly insulated neural wiring, allowing for maximum flexibility
– Indiscriminate learning from all experiences
– Rapid formation of new neural connections
– A 15-25 year progression toward peak cognitive abilities
The Adult Brain: Selective Plasticity
As we age, the brain becomes more selective about when it allows change. Unlike the “always-ON” plasticity of childhood, adult neuroplasticity operates under specific conditions and is otherwise turned OFF.
According to Dr. Merzenich, the adult brain only permits lasting changes under the following conditions:
– The brain is paying full attention
– The brains feels rewarded or punished (or expecting to be)
– The brain feels surprised or feels threatened
– You’re engaged in goal-directed behavior with positive outcomes
– Your brain determines the experience is meaningful
Neural Pathway Development
Neural pathway development mirrors road network evolution through tuning and pruning:
Infant (0-2 years):
The roadmap looks like a few highways, it doesn’t have avenues, streets, lanes, or dirt paths yet and it’s hard to get to places.
Young Adult (20s):
– Brain reaches peak connectivity like a bustling city grid
– New pathways form through learning, similar to road expansion
– Strongest connections become “highways” of frequent use
Connections in a young brain are like a complex transportation system with paths, trails, roads, streets, highways,…
Middle Age (40-60s):
– Less-used neural pathways begin to prune, like closing underutilized roads
– The brain maintains efficient primary routes while reducing redundant connections
– New pathways can still form through learning and activity
Elder (70+):
Connections in an old brain look like ripped up paths and roads, and streets and highways are not maintained.
Chemically, structurally, and functionally, very old brains are very much like very young baby brains. The older brain is less effective at suppressing interference, and encoding becomes a lot fuzzier.
Unlike roads, neural pathways can regrow and form new connections through mental stimulation and learning. Given its reversible nature, your brain plasticity is still there to call on, to engage to help you recover what can be a far more youthful stature.
Age-Related Changes and the Power of Intervention
While it’s true that cognitive abilities typically decline with age—with most people dropping from the 50th to the 15th percentile in cognitive performance by age 55-60, and to the 5th percentile by age 80, —this trajectory isn’t inevitable. The brain maintains its capacity for rejuvenation through neuroplasticity, even in advanced age.
Understanding these age-related changes is crucial:
– Brain volume begins to decrease around age 60
– Neural connections become simplified
– Neurotransmitter production decreases
– Blood supply to the brain diminishes
However, Dr. Merzenich’s research shows that proper brain exercise can help counteract these changes, potentially allowing older adults to recover the speed and efficiency of a younger brain while maintaining their accumulated wisdom and experience.
Turning On Adult Neuroplasticity: The Science of Brain Exercise
Dr. Merzenich has translated his decades of research into practical applications through BrainHQ (www.brainhq.com), a brain training program backed by over 60 peer-reviewed scientific studies.
Unlike many “brain games” that lack scientific validation, BrainHQ’s exercises are specifically designed to activate the brain’s natural plasticity mechanisms. Each exercise is designed to recover, rejuvenate, and empower brain systems, not just individual bits and pieces.
Understanding Brain Plasticity in Developmental Conditions
Dr. Merzenich’s research reveals that even when the brain has experienced significant distortions associated with developmental disorders, it maintains the capacity for positive change. This understanding is particularly crucial because:
- The brain can revise its neural maps and connections at any age: The brain can find other ways to perform the same function.
- Targeted interventions can help strengthen specific cognitive abilities
- Progressive training can help overcome developmental delays
- Neuroplasticity allows for the improvement of processing speed and accuracy
The Path Forward
As Henry Ford wisely noted, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.” The key to maintaining cognitive vitality lies in engaging your brain’s plasticity mechanisms throughout life. This doesn’t mean simply acquiring new information—it means challenging your brain with targeted exercises that trigger meaningful change.
Consider dedicating even a fraction of your leisure time to structured brain training. The average person spends several thousand hours each year watching television. As Dr. Merzenich notes, spending just one-hundredth of the time most people spend watching television on well-organized brain fitness could yield significant personal returns. Through targeted brain training, we can maintain and even enhance our cognitive abilities, making lifelong learning not just possible, but essential for brain health.
Just as your body craves movement, your brain yearns for exercise. When you challenge your mind, you’re nurturing billions of neurons that want to stay sharp and connected. Like muscles, neural circuits require deliberate conditioning to maintain peak performance. Dr. Merzenich believes we’ll soon respect brain workouts just like we value physical exercise – both keep us fully alive and thriving.
Remember: your brain is constantly being shaped by your experiences, for better or worse. By understanding and actively engaging neuroplasticity, you can take control of this process and maintain cognitive vitality throughout your life.
About the Author
Ilse Gevaert is a psychologist and coach with expertise in neurodiversity (Autism and ADHD), giftedness, trauma, narcissistic abuse, and resilience. Ilse continued her education at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Cornell, where she obtained leadership certificates that have informed her practice.
References
Barrett, L. F. (2021). Seven and a half lessons about the brain. New York, Mariner Books.
Barrett, L. F. (2017). How emotions are made: The secret life of the brain. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science. New York, Penguin Books.
Merzenich, M.M. (2013). Soft-Wired: How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life. Parnassus Publishing, San Francisco, CA.
Brain Training by Dr. Merzenich: www.brainhq.com
Read More on this Topic
Rewire Your Brain: Transforming Your Life Through Neuroplasticity
10 Powerful Strategies to Boost Your Resilience
Building Mental Health Resilience
Digital Detox: 10 Healthy Ways to Boost Your Dopamine Levels
More on the Resilient Minds Blog
Finding Your Path: Moving Forward After Trauma
What happens after you’ve weathered the storm of trauma? When the coping tools are working and the overwhelming emotions have settled, a new question emerges:
The Kindness Trap: Why Narcissistic Abuse is Hard to Escape
We’ve long been taught to spot the red flags of narcissistic abuse: the gaslighting, the verbal attacks, the emotional manipulation. But there’s a more insidious
Unlocking the Power of Leadership: Fostering Team Success
When we think of a “leader”, many think of an authoritative figure standing at the front of the room, directing traffic and making demands. This
When the World Sounds Scrambled: Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder
Meet Sarah, a bright 10-year-old who loves art and science. In a quiet room, she’s articulate and engaging. But put her in a busy classroom,
The Power of Chores: Raising Responsible, Independent Kids
As children grow, they naturally seek more freedom and independence. However, with increased freedom comes the need for greater responsibility. One effective way to teach
ADHD Demystified: Unraveling Executive Function Challenges
Have you ever wondered why some of the most creative and innovative people you know seem to struggle with basic time management? Or why that
